About Camp Boggy Creek

A Dolphin
A Poem By Jennifer Masi

A dolphin swimming through an endless sea,
Struggling through each new obstacle . . .
Scared, worried, unsure of what’s to come.
Tough though.
Fighting, fighting.
Until one day she just couldn’t anymore.
She wished to be in a place where she didn’t have to fight for every inch.
And her wish was granted.

Camp Boggy Creek has a rich history that started in 1991 when Jennifer Masi, a South Florida teenager who was undergoing treatment for cancer, wrote the poem entitled A Dolphin for her parents. Jennifer’s words and life went on to inspire many, including Camp Boggy Creek Co-Founders, Actor Paul Newman and General Norman Schwarzkopf, her parents, Nick and Wendy Masi, and David Horvitz just to name a few.

Before she died at the young age of 14, she got neighbors, community leaders, and her parents to rally behind building a camp that would be a respite for other children just like her who were facing a serious medical illness. Since opening in 1996, Camp has provided over 90,000 campers and their families with a serious medical illness, a FREE life-changing Camp experience thanks to Jennifer’s granted wish. Thank you Jennifer, and thank all of you who have made this magical place possible.

"My first visit to Boggy Creek helped me so much because until then I had never been with kids with the same disease. This was the first time I had ever been away from home. Everyone was so wonderful and I had so much fun I didn’t want to leave."
— Lynn, camper

About Camp Boggy Creek

Since 1996, Camp Boggy Creek has made it possible for children with serious illnesses to enjoy a camp experience in a safe, medically- sound environment. Located just a short drive from Orlando, Florida, the 232-acre Camp serves children ages 7-16 who’ve been diagnosed with a serious illness. As a year-round retreat, Camp Boggy Creek is able to serve thousands of campers and their families through activity-packed weekly and weekend camp programs.

The Camp offers children the chance to catch their first fish, go horseback riding or climb our ropes tower, all while making new friends. Beyond boundless fun, Camp Boggy Creek provides fellowship. Children can spend time with others who are just like them and share their life-experiences, which serves as a reminder that they are not alone.

Diagnosis Groups That We Serve:

Camp Boggy Creek provides a medically safe and exciting camp experience for children from throughout Florida who are diagnosed with the following disease groups: